More than just Pokin' around Lompoc
One would think a winter flight to the central coast in a year dominated by clouds and rain would be gray and windswept, with opportunities to practice IFR procedures or drive wet roads and add an extra layer of warm clothes to fend off the elements. But as we all know, DAFers are resourceful and adapt to what nature throws at them. So when a dramatic change in the winter weather forced seventeen DAFers to fly VFR through bright, cloudless skies to reach Lompoc (KLPC) for our March Fly-in, they rose to the occasion. Undaunted by temperatures in the lower 70s and light breezes in Lompoc, some drove through emerald-green hills to walk along the wide beaches at Jalama Beach, climbed to vistas at Lookout Point or visited period-dressed docents at La Purisima Mission and learned about eighteenth-century mission life. At one point on Saturday, they did retreat inside to taste wine at two wineries in the Wine Ghetto, but only to comply with laws on public drinking in an industrial park.
Weather was not the only unexpected aspect of the trip.
Unexpectedly, we were offered dinner in a private dining room Friday and again for Lunch on Saturday! The intrepid group adapted quickly to this good luck. And even though we had accidentally booked dinner Saturday at two restaurants 20 miles apart, the folks at the Italian-family-run La Botte were gracious and served us a delicious meal.
As further evidence of the agility of DAF members, a few who could not make the full weekend, flew out to join us in Lompoc. Mitch and Vince flew out for lunch Saturday and then Peter and Mitch (with copilot Jan) flew out again Sunday to have lunch with the Lompoc expedition stragglers and enjoy the continuing perfect weather.
The tally was 7 planes (one twice), one car, 17 Dafers, two wineries and a lot of fun exploring the area. Thanks to all that came and showed how resourceful and adaptive DAFers are and how we strive to make the best of our opportunities.
Path 2 Flight - Introduces new pilots to discover their passion for flight
Jill Rutan Hoffman grew up with a family that had an extreme passion for aviation innovation. She returned to DAF as our February dinner speaker to present her new concepts on flight training that would decrease the cost of obtaining a pilot license thus allowing more individuals to build their passion for flight. By decreasing the cost, more pilots can be created to assist in the serious commercial pilot shortage. Jill's latest adventure has led her to develop an organization called Path 2 Flight. The mission of Path 2 Flight is to introduce potential pilots to various flying opportunities and then assist in flight training through using industry’s latest technologies. The development of electric planes can reduce the cost of flight time due to the significantly lower cost of power for the electric airplane. Jill predicts that it will only cost dollars for electrical power verses a hundred dollars per hour for aviation fuel. The second technology that Path 2 Flight utilizes is Virtual Reality Flight Simulation. VR has a depth of realism that transfers to actual flying an airplane. VR training is readily available and cost significantly lower than actual flight time. Jill stated that she was speaking to the choir concerning passion for flight. She encouraged Del Amo Flyers to continue to support new pilots and spread their passion for aviation.
More information on Path 2 Flight can be found at www.path2flight.com. A special thank you to Jill for sharing with us about her newest project.
Bermuda Dunes
On Saturday February 24th the Del Amo Flyers had our first actual flying event for the year: 45+ DAFERS, including a number of 99's, flew to Bermuda Dunes (KUDD). Over a dozen aircraft flew to Bermuda Dunes Airport and a couple of people arrived by car. The lush green vegetation and snow in the background made for a scenic flight.
It was just a short walk/ride outside the FBO to Murph’s Gaslight Restaurant where we had lunch. The FBO and restaurant handled the large crowd superbly. We filled the entire dining room. Staff provided excellent service and smiles.
It was a great day, with perfect weather, great lunch, and wonderful company!
Thanks to Liz for arranging it all!
CARS, FOOD AND PLANES - A GREAT COMBO
Our January drive-in was well attended with 34 DAFers showing up to Automobile Driving Museum in the pouring rain! It was a great day for a museum drive-in as a fly-in would not have worked out so well though it did clear up later. We learned much on our tours from docents Dick and Maurice, who were educational and quite passionate about the antique, muscle and vintage cars there. We even saw electric cars from 1922 and 1975! Who knew? This museum is a little gem in an industrial part of El Segundo and even includes an old-school ice cream parlor and event space for 300. After getting our fill of these unique cars, the group met at the nearby Proud Bird Food Bazaar and Events Center where we had lunch from the Food Bazaar, which offers many different varieties of delicious food. We dined together with a view of planes taking off rather than short final due to wind conditions. After lunch 15 of us took a docent led tour by Jacob who eagerly shared history of the restaurant, interior displays and aircraft on display outside of the restaurant. Some of us relaxed for a bit more after the tour, chatting, enjoying the view and the beautiful, but still cloudy day after the rain passed.
Dinner with Barbara H. Schultz, Aviation Historian
We started the year off with a terrific program in January from Barbara H. Schultz, Aviation Historian, Author and Speaker. She presented research from her book, Cliff Henderson: Visionary Leader. Her passion for her research is quite evident as she shared fascinating details about this extraordinary man who seized opportunities and turned them info reality. A tremendous amount of time was also taken in her research. Cliff was Managing Director for the National Air Races, entertaining thousands each year with thrills along with new records being set under his guidance. In 1945 Cliff founded the city of Palm Desert, a vision he had for 20 years. Cliff's "town of promise and expectancy" was a reality. Barbara has written four other aviation related books, again capturing great detail in her research. More info on her books can be found at littlebuttesbooks.com. We appreciate Barbara taking the time to present her research for this book to the club.
The Holiday party was a smashing success
The Del Amo Flyers Holiday Party was a smashing success with a good time had by all! Everyone cleaned up quite nicely for this festive occasion. We enjoyed wonderful fellowship, delicious food, along with terrific entertainment by the In Contempt Band who kept the dance floor full. An added treat was the live auction of the Mos Eisley Cantina sign created by Mitch Taylor for our Star Wars themed August Hangar Potluck. Tom LaGrelius served as auctioneer and a bidding war took place with the winning bid being $500 from Larry Chapman. This sign will make a nice addition to Larry and Jodie's new hangar in Placerville. Thanks for the nice donation to DAF Larry and Jodie!
Patti LaGrelius handed off the presidency to Steve Sappington who appears to be up for the challenge! The old Board of Directors was thanked and the new Board of Directors was introduced. There was some juggling around of positions, with Maggie Smith stepping down from the board (thanks Maggie for your four years of service!) and the addition of Larry Weinstein who will photograph our exciting activities. Welcome Larry!